‘The method was strikingly similar to that in which Jack ended his life,’ he said, ‘by which a powerful message could be sent, possibly to the authority dealing with her eviction, providing Ms McCormack with persuasive ammunition.’

McCormack had been helping Rotherham Council with its suicide prevention work after a number of young people took their own lives.

Her ex-husband Jimmy Allen said after the inquest: ‘She was a strong-willed woman and a good, loving mother. This was a totally unseen body blow to the family.’

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: ‘Our sympathies are with the family of Ms McCormack. This is a tragic and complex issue and it would be misleading to link it to one cause.

‘We know that bereavement is a very difficult time for people, which is why the removal of the spare room subsidy does not apply for a year when there is a death in the household.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.